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Electrician’s guilty plea over report signing off unsatisfactory electrics

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A PEMBROKESHIRE electrician has pleaded guilty to supplying a report claiming the electrics in a household property were satisfactory when they were not.

The case was brought by Pembrokeshire County Council Trading Standards and heard by Judge Huw Rees at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Monday 20th September 2021.

Mark Cummins trading as M C Electrics from Haverfordwest was commissioned by the vendor of a Milford Haven property in November 2018 to inspect and issue a condition report of the electrics in the property.

The Court heard that Mr Cummins took less than an hour to do the inspection and issued an Electrical Installation Condition Report to the vendor the same day, containing the written statement describing the electrics in the property as “satisfactory”.

He told the vendor a light fitting in the downstairs utility and shower room needed to be replaced but his report did not list any concerns despite estimating the electrics to be 40 years old. He charged the vendor for the report.

In January 2019 the property was sold to the current owner Nia Evans.

Ms Evans later contracted local electrician John Morley to install additional wall sockets prior to moving in.

After a visual inspection and conducting some tests, Mr Morley concluded that the electrics were unsatisfactory, advising of a complete re-wire and to report the matter to STROMA, the certification body of which Mr Cummins was a member at the time.

Pembrokeshire Trading Standards arranged for Matthew Williams, a Council electrician, to carry out an inspection of the electrics at the property in July 2019.

His detailed report also concluded that the installation was unsatisfactory. Ms Evans has consequently still not moved in to the property.

Mr Cummins pleaded guilty to an offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 of engaging in a commercial practice which was misleading action, by describing the general condition of the electrical installation of a property as satisfactory which was untruthful.

He was fined £1,500 and ordered to pay £1000 contribution towards costs and £100 statutory surcharge payment.

The Judge also commended the local authority for the way it approached the case.

Sandra McSparron, Pembrokeshire County Council Lead Trading Standards Officer, said: “Homeowners and buyers put their faith in the services of electricians and other professionals to deliver accurate and truthful reports, in order to make important and informed decisions. Mr Cummins report was a key factor in the decision to purchase in this case.

“I am concerned that subsequent reports identified potentially serious non compliances in the property.

“I hope this prosecution sends a message out to all traders in these fields. I would like to express gratitude to all the witnesses for their assistance.”

Cllr Cris Tomos, the Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection commended everyone involved for bringing the case to court.

“When members of the public request the input of professionals they deserve to be able to rely on the information received.

“This is even more important particularly when dealing with potentially hazardous situations such as unsatisfactory electrics.

“I am pleased that the Authority was able to see this case through to a successful prosecution and would like to underline our gratitude to the witnesses.”

News

Welsh Government publishes first Supplementary Budget for 2025-26

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THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has today (June 17) published its First Supplementary Budget for the 2025-26 financial year.

The updated budget reflects adjustments made since the Final Budget was agreed in February and includes several allocations from the Welsh Government’s reserves. It also incorporates changes to baseline funding following UK Government fiscal decisions earlier this year.

According to the written statement issued by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford MS, the revised budget is designed to keep public spending aligned with shifting economic conditions and priorities.

The Supplementary Budget outlines how money will be reallocated or drawn down to address emerging pressures or policy changes. It forms part of the normal financial planning process and gives the Senedd an opportunity to scrutinise government decisions taken since the Final Budget.

A debate on the Supplementary Budget has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, in the Senedd.

The Welsh Government said the changes ensure financial flexibility while remaining within overall spending limits.

Further details, including the full budget breakdown, are available on the Welsh Government’s website.

Photo caption:
Finance lead: Mark Drakeford MS will present the Supplementary Budget to the Senedd on July 8 (Pic: Herald)

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Business

Business event shares key insights in renewable energy, innovation, and leadership

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BUSINESSPEOPLE across Wales have gained exclusive behind-the-scenes access to JCB Transmissions to learn about its new hydrogen generator technology, workplace culture, and future developments.

Organised by the Institute of Directors (IoD) North Wales, attendees toured the facility in Wrexham and received expert insight into the company’s role in manufacturing components for carbon efficient machinery from JCB operations director Craig Weeks.

Guests were equipped with professional leadership knowledge as Craig shared his career journey with the multinational manufacturing business, as well as highlighting key decisions made to increase business growth and efficiency.

He also revealed practical ways the firm invests in its workforce by utilising training opportunities provided by the North East Wales Skills Academy (NEWSA) and Gatewen Training Services.

David Roberts, chair of North Wales IoD, believes the event spotlighted JCB’s innovation and contribution toward Wales’ net zero by 2050 target.

He said: “From its latest hydrogen generator technology to its production of gearboxes, axles, and transmissions systems, it’s evident that JCB Transmissions is paving the way as a leader in creative, cutting-edge renewable technology.

“Moreover, I think the experience gave guests the chance to understand ways in which they could make more informed investments and the long-term benefits of upskilling members of their respective teams.

“Seeing business leaders and directors attend from across Wales was also very encouraging and I hope they feel more empowered to excel in their industries.”

Speaking about Craig, an IoD North Wales Skills Development award winner, David continued: “I think there is a lot to learn from his leadership.

“His careful, considered allocation of company resources, alongside his career path from axle and gearbox technician to operations director, demonstrates great creative direction and tenacity.

“Overall, building a supportive and welcoming culture in any firm is essential for longevity and it’s something I think JCB Transmissions showcased to all attendees.”

To become an IoD volunteer, contact David Roberts on 07899 910 293.

For more information and to view upcoming events on the IoD in North Wales, visit www.iod.com/events-community/regions/wales

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Crime

Neyland man admits making indecent images of children

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A NEYLAND man has pleaded guilty to making 20 indecent images of children — including seven of the most serious Category A images — at his home address.

As a result of the pleas entered before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday (June 17), JAMIE DAVIES, 46, is now a registered sex offender.

Davies admitted making seven Category A images, ten Category B images and three Category C images between January 28 and November 4, 2021, at his home on Springfield Avenue, Neyland.

He denies further allegations of engaging in sexual communication with children by sending sexually motivated messages to girls under the age of 16 with the intention of eliciting sexual responses. He also denies causing or inciting girls to engage in sexual activity — including children under the age of 13 — and two further charges involving penetration.

The Crown alleges that all offences took place at Davies’ home address over a prolonged period of time.

“A phone was recovered from the defendant’s pocket,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan. “He was interrogated, and there were clear conversations between the defendant and young people who were aged between seven and 17. Sexual activities took place between both parties.”

Given the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the matter will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court, where proceedings will begin on July 18.

Davies was released on unconditional bail.

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